Arcane Sniper

Chapter 993

As Black Bass had stated in the illusory space, the “Cobalt Blue Python” and the “Crimson Geckos” acknowledged their users, Luger and Kidd.

However, acknowledgment and awakening were different concepts.

In contrast to Leeha, who had quickly awakened Black Bass despite not being acknowledged, Kidd and Luger found themselves in an opposite situation.

And now?

“It’s not the same quest as mine. Probably…”

The final quest to completely awaken the two firearms would have appeared.

Judging by Leeha’s Black Bass, it was likely a quest with overwhelming difficulty and challenges, similar to one requiring absorption of demonic and divine blood to reach 100% charge.

“I still have some holy water left… How unfortunate~ Since it’s not my item, I can’t give it to you―”

“We don’t need it.”

“Huh? You don’t need it?”

“You fool. Do you really think all three of us have to complete the ‘same quest’? Kidd’s and my quest will likely differ. And― in a way, it’s fortunate. Isn’t that right, Kidd?”

“Yes, that’s right. It is different from Black Bass. What it, being closer to a prototype, required for complete awakening and what our weapons, which were separated from it, require for complete awakening cannot be the same.”

“… Ah!”

Initially, talks of blood absorption and impact on essence were just one of Black Bass’s traits.

If this trait’s maximization led to unlocking a rifle’s seal and shifted into a quest for complete awakening, it was obvious that the quests for “Cobalt Blue Python” and “Crimson Geckos” would differ from Leeha’s!

“Hold on, then what’s your quest? What’s it about? Mine required serious hardship to complete―”

“It’s a secret. And since all business here is concluded, I will take my leave now.”

Leeha wondered if their quests had been set to an easier difficulty, but Kidd did not kindly share that information.

“You damn fool, you may be a step ahead with your 『Mythic』 weapon, but don’t get cocky. Even without a fully awakened Python, breaking your skull wouldn’t be a problem. Bearded old man! Stock up on shells!”

After Kidd left the smithy first, Luger also prepared his ammunition and followed suit.

“What’s this! Where are you going! Kidd! Luger!”

Were they really leaving just like that without even saying goodbye?

Leeha was momentarily taken aback by their swift actions but soon smiled.

He could predict what they might have been thinking or what expressions they might have been wearing, despite their cold facade and stern demeanor.

“Damn, you greedy bastards! Get your things fully awakened quickly! And contact me if you have any trouble!”

Leeha called out to them, standing on the threshold.

“Are you insane? I’d rather log out than contact you.”

“That’s exactly why I said it, just to tease you! Pwahaha! Take care, both of you!”

“Damn bastard.”

They were acknowledging that Leeha’s Black Bass had reached the 『Mythic』 level.

And being one step behind him, they had no desire to stay and witness it.

Leeha could vaguely sense their complex feelings of acknowledging him yet simultaneously being envious of him.

‘Because I was the same.’

How long had he agonized while watching the outstanding accomplishments stemming from their abilities?

But now, he had reached a point where he could officially claim to be the foremost of the Three Musketeers.

Until Kidd and Luger used their crystal balls to completely disappear from view, Leeha stayed at the threshold of Bottleneck Smithy, watching them for a long time.

“Now, then… let’s see.”

What remained was to check the rewards gained from this fantastical journey. Leeha accepted the quest and scrutinized his achievements.

〈Achievement: In Myth (S+)〉

Congratulations!

You have experienced the ancient past of “Middle Earth”. When God and the Devil still revealed their forms in “Middle Earth” during the primordial era, how did it feel to you?

Did it feel perilous and fraught with danger?
Were you thrilled and trembling?
If so, that’s fortunate!

Such a place will serve as a stepping stone to make you grow even stronger, and you will face the primordial secrets that still writhe in the unexplored parts of “Middle Earth”!

Remember, the myth isn’t over yet. It is you who will write our myth, the myth of “Middle Earth”.

Reward: 30 Stat Points

Skill―『Instance Dungeon Creation: Ancient Monsters』 Acquired

You are the first registrar of the 〈In Myth〉 achievement.

The names of the first three registrants will be recorded in the Hall of Fame, and 200% of the existing effect will be additionally applied.

Effect: 60 Stat Points

Permanent access granted to the 『Instance Dungeon: Ancient Monsters』.

“Oh!? What’s this? I can create an Instance Dungeon? Wow, and I can have permanent access too? Black! This―.”

―Hehe, indeed. By combining my power with the power of the Bearer, it will be possible to create a more perfect training ground than the fragment I have shown. Soon you could absorb the blood of those ancient life forms whose memory has nearly faded away……―

“Hmm, okay. I think I get the gist of it.”

Momentarily clearing Black Bass’s eerie voice from his mind, Leeha checked the skill window.

〈Instance Dungeon Creation: Ancient Monsters〉

Description: How different is the world now from when God and the Devil vanished from “Middle Earth”? Thanks to the power of an object imbued with primordial energy, you have been able to explore the world of that time. Based on the information and new traces obtained there, you could analyze the current “Middle Earth”!

But never think it will be as peaceful and safe as the world now. You may enter at will but not leave at will. The power hidden in primordial energy will not let you leave freely. Are you ready for the adventure?

Effect: Instance Dungeon Creation (0/5 times)

―Entrance limited to four people designated by the creator and users with entry rights

―Total entry limit of 10 people

―Automatic closure and expulsion if mission fails within 15 days of dungeon creation

(Located within the instance dungeon even when logged out.)

―Recommended entry level: 370

Mana: 1

Cooldown: 50 days

“Hmm, indeed. The fact that Black Bass mentioned ‘training’… This is a place for adventure and leveling up. But if there are no users other than me with entry rights… It’s just me and four people I’ve designated, right? A five-person party must clear some quest within 15 days―Wait, what’s this!?”

Looking over the conditions of the instance dungeon in the skill window, Leeha was startled.

Now understanding the generation limit, entry limit, and that users must complete a quest within the instance dungeon, his eyes were drawn to the recommended entry level.

“Three hundred seventy? Crazy, there’s got to be a mistake. A bug or something?”

It was only natural for Leeha to think of the recommended entry level as a bug.

When Alexander was doing a TV interview, he gave some hints about his level.

‘Though he answered the MC’s question with just a gaze and silence―it was clear. Alexander’s current estimated level is around 330.’

When did he ever reach the initial top level of 300? Since then, he had only increased his level by thirty.

Even in the official “Middle Earth” rankings, where battles occur solely by level, it was widely believed that nobody broke through level 300 apart from the top 10.

‘In reality, not even the top ten. According to Hwayeon, Ram Hwajung scarcely reached level 300 after the recent battle with Tiamat.’

Ram Hwajung being at levels 298 and 299 was quite some time ago.

She barely reached level 300 after slaughtering several chromatic dragons and countless chimeras during the Tiamat battle.

Since Ram Hwajung, ranked 6th, had finally reached 300, it meant Shin Nara ranked 8th, still needed some more time.

‘Then what about Chiyou, who is ranked 7th?’

Leeha felt a new question arise, but there was no way to find out at that moment.

The important thing was that the recommended level for this instance dungeon was a whopping 370.

“Tsk, well, reaching this level so quickly probably means they’re ahead of the developers’ scenario by several years. Makes sense, I guess.”

―Are you afraid?―

When Leeha muttered, the voice of Black Bass came through. Listening to the quiet laughter mixed in his tone, Leeha sighed.

“No, it’s not so much fear as… I don’t know. It feels like I can’t just dip my toes in and pull out. If this stays even when I log out… It seems like once I enter, I either have to clear the quest or hide for 15 days, or in the worst case, die to get out―.”

At the very least, it wasn’t something to attempt lightheartedly.

Leeha complained to Black Bass, but his expression wasn’t entirely grim.

In Middle Earth, wasn’t the biggest difference by level the stats?

‘In other words, combining the achievement modifiers that a Level 370 player would typically have… that should mean there’s a possibility of clearing it, right?’

Then how about himself?

If he could find enough skilled individuals with determination, wouldn’t it be possible to give it a try soon?

“Because I have this.”

Among the rewards he received after the 〈In Myth〉 achievement, Leeha touched another skill located next to the instance dungeon creation skill.

〈White Reaper〉

Description: “The single bullet that tracks, reflects, and annihilates all snow and ice!”

An attack that has inherited part of the power of the 《Arcane Bullet》, it derives its power from the gun used to fire it.

Usable Occupations: Arcane Sniper or White Reaper

Usage Conditions: 100% Synchronization with the Gun in Use

『Current Synchronization Level 100% (Details)』

Effect: Beam attack equivalent to 200% of the user’s attack power

Mana: Usable when holding more than 50% of total mana

〈White Reaper〉, whose restrictions were lifted.

Not only had the attack power increased from 120% to 200%, but the mana consumed during its initial usage had also been removed, making it a ‘complete skill’.

Although using the first shot consumed about 50% of the total mana available, this was not considered a burden.

‘All I need is 〈Snow Storm〉 after all.’

White Reaper wasn’t meant for ultra-long-distance sniping. It was a skill best suited for large-scale warfare.

Just scattering some snowfall over the heads of the incoming overwhelming forces would suffice.

Then, small white threads that follow would slice through the entire space.

“Heh heh, I can’t wait to use it. With this, even Black Bass…”

―You are always welcome if it’s to gnaw away at the Demon King’s Fragment.―

With Black Bass’s confident voice, Leeha smiled broadly.

Would Black Bass really be able to avoid an attack that constructs itself not as a point or line, but as a plane, or even further, a volume?

“You seem confident, lord.”

Bottleneck spoke up.

Even when Kidd and Luger left, and Leeha shared idle banter with Black Bass, the dwarf bore a serious expression. Now, his face was even more resolute.

Leeha normally wanted to joke with him, but now wasn’t the time.

“Do you have the confidence to protect… our ancestors’ hope?”

He understood very well why Bottleneck wore such an expression and possessed such a tone that demanded determination from Leeha.

The dwarf who had reduced Black Bass to merely a heroic-grade item.

The warning message from ‘Shining Hammer’, who was related to Bottleneck by blood, was gravid with foreboding content.